Care coordination and counseling services for African-Americans with HIV/AIDS

The Foundation's Local Initiative Funding Partners Program, a matching grants program, was designed to establish partnerships between the RWJF and local grant makers in support of innovative, community-based projects that improve health and health care for underserved and vulnerable populations. The purpose of this project, Bridging the Gap (a church-based program), is to connect the African-American community in Indianapolis with HIV counseling, testing, and case coordination services. Church leadership recognized that many people of color were reluctant to access existing services. A new mental health center located in an African-American neighborhood will offer HIV/AIDS services in an environment that will encourage residents to access service, and a new educational campaign will promote awareness and prevention. The funding partners include: The Health Foundation of Greater Indianapolis, The Indiana AIDS Fund, City of Indianapolis, and The Indianapolis Community Foundation.